Features of Early Attunement

The features of Early Attunement offer a framework for moving beyond deficit-based intervention towards practice that is strengths-led, ecological and inclusive. They emphasise recognising children’s strengths in context, understanding development through an ecological lens, and ensuring approaches are intersectionality informed. Early attunement values solidarity with families, creating relationships built on trust and respect rather than surveillance, while also centring belonging and communication by recognising diverse identities and ways of connecting. Importantly, it reframes intervention as reducing risks to wellbeing, not as attempts to reduce or erase difference. Together, these features shape a model of support that prioritises dignity, autonomy and meaningful experiences for every child.